WATCH: Dana White’s Awkward Reaction to Seeing Jake Paul Talking to Donald Trump is Going Viral

UFC CEO Dana White looks uncomfortable when US President Donald Trump interacts with him and Jake Paul.

WATCH: Dana White’s Awkward Reaction to Seeing Jake Paul Talking to Donald Trump is Going Viral

Dana White links up with Donald Trump and Jake Paul (via Business Insider, X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Jake Paul has found major success in boxing, both financially and socially, and has become a mainstream sports figure. However, his polarizing online persona has placed him at odds with several combat sports figures, including UFC CEO Dana White. That tension was visible recently when White appeared uncomfortable during a brief public interaction involving Paul and US President Donald Trump.

Paul and White have shared a public rivalry dating back to Paul’s early boxing days. The young boxer has repeatedly challenged White over UFC fighter pay, arguing that fighters receive less compensation than they deserve compared to boxing. He has also criticized the UFC’s strict contract structure for limiting free agency, as it prevents fighters from securing higher pay with opportunities outside the UFC.

Paul was recently seen highlighting his jaw-break injury from his fight against Anthony Joshua to Trump at the 2026 National Football Championship between Miami and Indiana at Hard Rock Stadium. White was also present in the US President’s skybox during the encounter. When Trump arrived with Paul, the UFC CEO appeared visibly uncomfortable. He spoke briefly to Paul, but the exchange felt awkward and tense.

The interaction comes just days after White criticized the credibility of Paul’s fight against Joshua, highlighting concerns over the legitimacy of the matchup. The UFC head honcho has also previously called out Paul for choosing to fight retired MMA fighters. White has questioned how these decisions impact the perception of combat sports. These ongoing criticisms have kept their rivalry in the public eye.

While White has always maintained that he has no interest in Paul’s career, several factors suggest otherwise. MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian recently highlighted that White closely tracks nearly every move Paul makes. Bidarian also accused White of restricting UFC fighters from engaging with the ‘Problem Child’. These actions indicate that White’s attention toward Paul extends beyond casual observation.

One common factor between White and Paul is their support for Donald Trump. Both have publicly declared their backing for the current US President in the past and have been consistent presences at MAGA rallies. Their appearances at these events often overlap with UFC-related functions. This shared political alignment adds an unusual layer to their interactions within the combat sports world.

Dana White’s longstanding relationship with Donald Trump may have influenced the awkward interaction with Jake Paul. As both men have maintained a history of public appearances and collaborations, Trump’s presence likely added pressure to the encounter. The skybox meeting highlighted the tension between White and Paul while also showing the UFC CEO navigating a high-profile political setting.

Fans react to Dana White’s reaction to meeting Jake Paul

Many fans hilariously noticed Dana White looking awkward while interacting with Jake Paul in the skybox. Clips circulated showing his stiff posture, hesitant gestures, and uneasy expressions as he spoke briefly to Paul. Viewers joked about how tense and uncomfortable White appeared throughout the encounter. The awkward interaction quickly became a widely shared and discussed moment online.

Dana White maybe asking fighters not to work with Jake Paul
Dana White might be asking fighters not to work with Jake Paul (via The Independent)

Other fans hilariously commended Donald Trump for easing the tension between White and Paul during the skybox encounter. Many noted that his presence seemed to make the interaction smoother. Some reminded viewers that Paul had similarly ended his feud with Conor McGregor during Trump’s inauguration. Fans found the parallels amusing, joking about Trump’s role in resolving celebrity conflicts.

Many fans concluded that Dana White likely would not have interacted with Jake Paul if Trump had not been present. They noted that White’s brief engagement seemed forced and awkward, highlighting the tension between the two. Viewers emphasized that the interaction appeared more about optics than genuine conversation. Overall, fans found the encounter entertaining and telling of their ongoing rivalry.

Also Read: